Electric switch



July 8, 1958 Filed March 12, 1956 H. J. CROMWELL ETAL ELECTRIC SWITCH 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS H/zeow J. Czamveu ARGYLE Gl/lurzs/v/llsse BY CHARLES E. Buc

' ATTORNEY July 8, 1958 H. J. CROMWELL ET AL 2,842,680

ELECTRIC SWITCH 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 12, 1956 Lm V. S m. E mwHK N N No E WMEU 0 NmHB T wlmw fi G mam/M xm H2 A ELECTRIC SWITCH Harold J. Cromwell, Argyle G. Lautzenhiser, and Charles E. Buck, Anderson, Ind., assignors to General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Application March 12, 1956, Serial No. 570,899 12 Claims. (Cl. 307-10) This invention relates to electric switches and is more particularly concerned with a switch which will successively close a plurality of individual circuits in a timed sequence.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a switch which will successively close a plurality of circuits in a predetermined sequence over a predetermined time. This switch is particularly useful in a motor vehicle where it will cause the circuits to various mechanisms to be energized when the vehicle is unattended.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a switch mechanism for a motor vehicle which may be manually cocked and automatically triggered to cause a plurality of circuits to be sequentially closed with a predetermined time delay between the closing of the individual circuits.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a switch which will sequentially close a plurality of circuits to automatically close certain openings in a motor vehicle in response to the control of a means that is responsive to moisture so as to protect the interior of the vehicle when the vehicle is unattended.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a switch mechanism for use with an automotive vehicle that has a fuel gauge, a window and top actuating mechanism circuit, and an ignition switch and to connect the switch mechanism for controlling the actuation of the top and window mechanism in a circuit with the fuel gauge so the switch mechanism will not operate to actuate the window and top mechanisms when the ignition switch closes a circuit to the fuel gauge.

A further object of thepresent invention is to provide a switch mechanism which will be used in connection with a signal circuit such as a moisture sensitive switch and to include in the switch mechanism, a plurality of individual contacts which switch mechanism includes a locking means which prevents a contact actuator from closing said circuits and a means which will release said locking means in response to either manual or automatic energization from said signal circuit, and, further, to include in the mechanism a time delay mechanism which will cause the contacts to be closed sequentially over a predetermined period of time.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a switch mechanism with a contact actuating mechanism which will travel transversely across a row of flexible contact blades in either direction and which will not flex the blades when the actuator is moved in one direction but will cause the individual blades to move slowly to a circuit closing position and to move rapidly to a circuit opening position.

The switch mechanism, according to the present invention, is particularly adapted to be used with motor vehicles of the convertible type, that is, a vehicle which has a top and windows which may be raised or lowered automatically. These vehicles are frequently parked unattended with the windows and top in the lowered position. The purpose of the device, according to the present nited States Patent invention, is to provide for the automatic closing of the Windows and top of these vehicles in the event of inclement Weather when the vehicle is parked.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein preferred embodiments of the present invention are clearly shown.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 diagrammatically, in perspective, shows the switch mechanism elements, according to the present invention, and how these elements are included in circuits in a motor vehicle.

Figure 2 is a view, partly in section, of certain of the switch parts of the switch mechanism, according to the present invention, with the parts in the at rest position.

Figure 3 is a view, partly in section, showing the switch parts in Figure 2 as in a latched position.

Figure 4 is a view, partly in section, of the manual means for releasing the lock means in Figure 2.

in Figure 1 of the drawings, the switch mechanism and circuit therefor, according to the present invention, is diagrammatically shown wherein numeral 20 designates the fuel tank for the motor vehicle. 22 designates a vehicle storage battery which is grounded at 24. Numeral 26 indicates the float and resistance unit which measures the level of the fuel within the tank 20. Numeral 28 is a fuel gauge which is preferably of the ammeter type and numeral 30 is the ignition switch for the motor vehicle which, when closed, will complete the circuit between the battery through the resistance gauge of the float unit 26 to the fuel gauge 28. The aforegoing mentioned parts are the conventional type as used in the present day motor vehicles. included also in the circuit is a moisture responsive switch 32 which forms no part of the present invention. Switches of this type are well known and generally are installed on the motor vehicle to be responsive to the elements and will complete a circuit when sufiicient moisture, i. e., a raindrop, falls thereon.

The switch shown in Figure 1 includes a support 34 which carries a sensitive relay 36, a power relay 38, a plurality of stationary contacts 49, a blade member 42 having a bifurcated end with a plurality of movable contacts 43 thereon, a contact actuator 44, a handle 46 which is adapted to move the actuator 44, a delay means 48 which comprises a fluid dashpot, a spring 50, a pair of switch contacts 57 and 59, and a latch release 52 which is actuated by a button 54in handle 46. The energizing current to the sensitive relay 36 is furnished from battery 22 through leads 56, junction 58, lead 60, switch 32, lead 62, junction 64, and lead 66 to the input terminal 68 of the sensitive relay 36. The output terminal 70 of the energizing coil of the sensitive relay 36 is connected through lead 72 to a flexible support for contact 59. Contact 59 is normally in engagement with contact 57 when the handle 46 is moved to the left in Figure 1 to complete the circuit through the support for contact 57 and lead 73 to junction 74 which, in turn, is connected through the fuel gauge 28 with ground 24. Thus, it is apparent, when moisture is present on the moisture sensitive switch 32 and the ignition switch 30 is in the open position, the energizing coil of the sensitive relay 36 will be energized and the current therethrough will be grounded through the fuel gauge 28. When the ignition switch 30, is closed, a low resistance shunt circuit is provided and the current through the energizing coil of the sensitive relay 36 will be of such a small magnitude so that the relay 36 will be virtually deenergized for the purpose which will become hereinafter apparent.

When the energizing coil of relay 36 is energized, armature 76 will be attracted to close contacts 77, 78, 79 and 80. The junction 64 is connected to contact 79 through the contact support 81'. The input terminal 83 of the energizing coil of the power relay 33 is connected through a lead 82 with the support 84 for the contact 77. Theoutput terminal 85 of the energizing coil for the power relay 38 is connected through a lead 86 to ground 24. From the above circuit,'it is apparent that when the energizing coilof the sensitive relay 36 causes contacts 77, 78, 79 and 80 to close, current to the energizing coil of the power relay 38 may flow either from junction 64 or from the junction 58, through lead 196, junction 88'and lead 90 to the support 92 for the contacts 78 and 80 so that when the sensitive relay 36 is energized, the energizing coil of the power relay 38 is also energized to attract armature 94.

The armature 94 of the power relay 38 is provided with a bifurcated'end which has one arm 96 curved to provide a latch means, which will be hereinafter described, and the other arm 98 arranged to provide a support for a movable contact 1% which engages a stationary contact 1132. The movable contact 101} is con-' nected through a lead 104 with junction 88 which, in turn, is connected through a lead 106 with junction 58 and the output terminal of the storage battery 22. Thus, when the power relay 38 is energized, the armature 94 will be moved so that contacts 1% and 102 engage one another to complete a circuit through lead 108 to the blade member 42 which will be hereinafter described.

The handle 46 is secured to a support or a yoke 110 which is movable relative to support 34 and which is connected through a suitable rod 112 with the piston 114 of the delay means which will be later described. The support 110 is constantly urged to the right by a spring 50 and, when pulled to its furthest left position, will be maintained by the latch arm 96 which is engaged behind a suitable edge on the support 110. This latch means 96 may be suitably and manually released when button 54 is depressed against the force of a spring 116 to move a rod 118, which is journalled in support 110. The latch release means 52 is secured to rod 118 and has an inclined cam surface 120 which is suitably located to force the latch means 96 from its engagement with the edge on support 110 when the button 54 is depressed. Secured to rod 112 is a member 122 which has an extending arm portion 124 which is arranged to engage the flexible support 126 for contact 57 and cause the contacts 57 and 59 to be moved to the open position when the spring 50 urges the movable components of the switch including rod 112, to the furthest right position. When contacts 57 and 59 are opened, the circuit from the energizing coil of the sensitive relay 36 to the fuel gauge is broken and, hence, the entire switch will be deenergized.

The delay means 48 essentially comprises a dashpot which includes a cylinder 123 wherein a cup-shaped plunger 130 is axially movable. The plunger 130 is secured to rod 112 and is preferably formed of elastomeric material such as rubber or a suitable plastic which is arranged to have a substantially free movement from right to left as when the handle 46 is pulled to the left. This relative free movement occurs when the fluid contained within the cylinder moves around the periphery of the cup-shaped plunger 13%. When, however, the plunger is to be moved from left to right by the force of spring 50, the lip portions of the cup-shaped member 130 are pressed against the walls of the cylinder 128 to form a seal. When this occurs, the movement ofthe plunger 130 is controlled by the size of an orifice, or opening, 132 in the cup-shaped member which severely restricts the flow of fluid and therefore retards the return of movement from left to right of the plunger 130. Any suitable fluid may be used within the cylinder such as a suitable oil or oleum spirits.

Another'feature' of the present invention is a contact actuator 44. This actuator 44 is. pivoted on member 122 i on a pin 134 and is constantly urged to the right by a spring 136. The contact actuator has an inclined leading edge 138 which terminates in a sharp trailing edge 140. The inclined leading edge 138 is arranged to ride over the inclined portions 142 on each of the flexible arms 144 of blade member 42. Each of the arms 144 have contact 43 secured thereon which is arranged to move into engagement with one of the stationary contacts 4tlas carried by flexible members 146. Thus, as the leading edge of the contact actuator 44 moves across the inclined portions 142, the arms 144 will be relatively slowly pressed downwardly so that the contacts 43 and 40 successively engage one another with a relatively slow engagement. As the contact actuator passes over the individual arms 144, only a single arm 144 will be downwardly pressed at any one given instant. As the sharp trailing edge 140 passes over the arms 144, the contacts 43 and 4t} willseparate with a rapid movement. This Cir rapid movement between the contacts 43 and 4h during the breaking of the circuit will minimize any sparking therebetween. The arms 146 in the embodiment shown are also shown of flexible material so that the contacts 43 and 40 will be tightly pressed together when they engage each other. From the above, it is manifest that the spring 136 will permit the actuator 44 to move in one direction without disturbing the blade members 42 and when the actuator 44passes in the other direction across the blade support 42 for the contacts, blades 42 will be moved so that the circuits are individually and sequentially closed through the stationary contacts 40. If desired, the individual windows and then the top of the vehicle may be sequentially raised. This arrangement will prevent any severe load to be imposed upon the storage battery at any one given instant.

The embodiment shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings represents a modified form of the invention shown in Figure 1 wherein the various parts of the switch are connected in circuits as have been precedingly described. The switch mechanism shown in Figure 2 represents a more commercial form wherein the parts of the switch have been considerably compacted. For the purposes of more complete understanding, the same numerals and designations which were used to describe the embodiment in Figure 1 will be used to designate the corresponding parts in the device in Figures 2 through 4. The device shown in Figures 2-4 includes a support 34, a sensitive relay which is not shown, a power relay 38, a plurality of stationary contacts not shown, which are positioned beneath the blade member 42, movable contacts 43 carried on the bifurcated endof blade member 42, a contact actuator, not shown, pivotally carried by pin 134 on a member 122, 'a rod 112 to which member 122 is attached by pin 111, a latch release means 52 with a curved edge 120, a latch 96 on the armature of the power relay 38 that is adapted to be engaged behind a sharp edge 33 on a yoke or support member 110, and a delay means 48.

The delay means 48 consists of a fluid dashpot which has a cup-shaped plunger 130 and a plurality of laminated washers each of which have an opening 132 as was described in the preceding embodiment to cause the delay in the movement of the rod 112 when the piston 130 moves in one direction and permits a free movement or" the piston in the other direction. The handle 46 has a latch release plunger button 54 extending therethrough both of which are carried on the yoke 110 which is formed as shown in the drawings to be movable on support 34. This yoke is arranged to be moved by the spring 50 to the left as shown in the drawings so a protruding portion 124 on member 122 will engage the flexible support for the movable contact 57 to break the engagement with contact 59 when the parts of the switch are moved completely to the left. The power relay 38 has its armature and contacts and 102 and latch means 96 arranged as indicated so that it will operate as in the embodiment described in Figure 1. The rod 112 is preferably secured to the yoke member 110 by a pin. 111. The button 54 of the latch release means is constantly urged to the right by the spring 116. From the above, it is apparent that as the handle 46 is moved to the right from the position shown in Figure 2 to the position illustrated in Figure 3, spring 50 will be placed under tension and the movement will freely occur because the fluid contained within the cylinder 128 will freely pass around the periphery of the plunger 130. When the parts are moved to the position shown in Figure 3, the contact 57 will be moved into engagement with contact 59 and the latching portion 96 on the armature of the power relay will engage the edge 33 of the yoke member 110 and maintain the parts of the switch in the position shown in Figure 3. The movement to the right of the actuator will not cause an engagement to occur between the various contacts 43 which are carried on the bifurcated ends of member 42 as the actuator is spring biased as described in the embodiment in Figure 1 and, further, the circuit through contact 43 will not be complete as the contacts 100 and 102 of the relay will not be closed and, therefore, the circuits to be top and window actuating mechanism will not be closed. When it is desired to manually release the switch, the button 54 is depressed as shown in Figure 4 to cause the inclined edge 120 and the latch release means 52 to move into engagement with the armature of the power relay and to move the latch portion 96 from its engagement with edge 33. This will permit the parts of the device to slowly move to the right underthe force of spring 50 which is opposed by the force of the fluid contained within the cylinder 128. Again the circuits to the top and window raising mechanism through member 42 will not be closed as the armature of the power relay will not be sufliciently moved to cause contacts 100 and 102 to be energized. When, however, the parts of the switch are in the position as shown in Figure 3, and the sensitive relay, not shown, is energized as has been described in the preceding embodiment, the power relay 38 will be energized to complete a circuit through contacts 1&0 and 102 so that the window and top actuating circuits through contacts 43 and 46 will be complete as the curved leading edge 138 and sharp trailing edge of the contact actuator 44 passes over the blade member 42 to cause a slow engagement and a rapid break to occur between the contacts 43 and 40. The movement of the actuator 44 occurs automatically after the latch means 96 is moved from its engagement with edge 33 and the force of spring 50 is delayed by the action of the fluid dashpot delay means 48.

While the embodiment of the present invention as herein disclosed constitutes a preferred form, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted.

What is claimed as as follows:

1. In a device of the character described, the combi= nation comprising; relay means responsive to a signal circuit, contact means for sequentially closing a plurality of actuating circuits, locking means for locking and preventing said second mentioned means from closing said actuating circuits and means in circuit with said relay means adapted to release said locking means when said signal circuit is energized.

2. In a device of the character described, the combination comprising; a plurality of stationary contacts each connectible with an actuating circuit, a plurality of movable contacts each adapted to engage one of the stationary contacts for closing an actuating circuit, actuating means transversely movable to the stationary contacts for sequentially moving said movable contacts into engagement with said stationary contacts for sequentially closing said actuating circuits, delay means connected with said actuating means for causing said actuating means to move said movable contacts at a predetermined rate, locking means for preventing movement of said actuating means by said delay means and means for releasing said locking means.

3. In a device of the character described, the combination comprising; a plurality of stationary contacts each connectible with an actuating circuit, a plurality of movable contacts each adapted to engage one of the stationary contacts for closing an actuating circuit, actuating means transversely movable to the stationary contacts for sequentially moving said movable contacts into engagement with said stationary contacts for sequentially closing said actuating circuits, delay means connected with said actuating means for causing said actuating means to move said movable contacts at a predetermined rate, locking means for preventing movement of said actuating means by said delay means, means for releasing said locking means and a means responsive to a signal circuit and connected with last mentioned means for causing said last mentioned means to release said locking means.

4. In a circuit for a motor vehicle having a storage battery; moisture responsive device and relay having an actuating coil connected in circuit with said battery through said moisture responsive device, a switch for closing a circuit from the battery to an ignition system and a vehicle fuel gauge, means connecting said fuel gauge in circuit with said actuating coil and said battery and in a circuit through said ignition switch with said battery whereby the circuit through said ignition switch provides a low resistance shunt around said moisture sensitive device and actuating coil when said ignition switch is closed.

5. In a circuit for a motor vehicle having a storage battery, a moisture responsive means, a relay having an actuating coil with one end connected in a circuit through said moisture responsive means with said battery, an ignition switch for closing a circuit from the battery to an ignition system, and a fuel gauge having a terminal connected in circuit with said ignition switch and battery, the improvement comprising connecting the other end of the actuating coil to said terminal of the fuel gauge whereby the circuit through said coil and means is provided with a low resistance shunt when the ignition switch closes the circuit to the fuel gauge.

6. In an electric switch the combination comprising; a plurality of stationary contacts spaced in a row, a plurality of resilient members spaced in a row and normally spaced above and arranged to engage said stationary contacts, and a means transversely movable across the row of members for sequentially moving said members individually slowly into engagement with said stationary contacts and rapidly from said engagement.

7. In an electric switch, the combination comprising; a plurality of spaced resilient members in a row and each having an end fixed to a support, an end spaced from said fixed end spaced from and adapted to engage a stationary contact, a means engageable with said members intermediate the ends thereof and transversely movable thereacross for individually moving said members successively into engagement with said stationary contacts with a relatively slow motion and permitting said members to sequentially separate with a rapid movement.

8. In an electric switch, the combination comprising: a plurality of spaced stationary contacts resiliently mounted in a row on a support, a plurality of spaced resilient arms carried by said support in a row and normally spaced from and engageable with said stationary contacts, and a member for flexing said arms into engagement with. said stationary contacts, said member being transversely movable across said row of arms and having an inclined leading edge for causing said arms to be progressively flexed slowly toward said stationary contacts and a sharp trailing edge for permitting said arm to rapidly relieve the flexing force on said arm.

9. In a device of the character described, the combination comprising; a support, a plurality of sets of contacts resiliently carried by said support, each set including a pair of resilient blades normally spaced from each other and arranged to engage each other when one blade is flexed toward the other, an actuating handle movably 7 carried by said support, 'a spring for moving said handle toward a normal position when said handle is moved from said position, a fluid dashpot arranged to permit free movement of said handle from said position and for limiting the rate of movement of said handle to said position, a means carried by said handle and movable transversely' over said blade sets for causing the individual blades of said sets to' successively slowly engage one another only when said handle is moved toward said normal position. a

10. In a device of the character described, the combination comprising: a support, a plurality of sets of contacts resiliently carried by said support, each set including a pair of resilient blades normally spaced from each other and arranged to engage each other when one blade is flexed toward the other, an actuating handle movably carried by said support, a spring for moving said handle toward a normal position when said handle is moved from said position, a fluid dashpot arranged to permit free movement of said handle from said position and for limiting the rate of movement of said handle to said position, a means carried by said handle and movable transversely over said blade sets for causing the individual blades of said sets to successively engage one another only when said handle is moved toward said normal position, a means for holding said handle from moving to said normal position'after said handle is moved a predetermined distance from said normal position, a means for releasing said holding means, and a pair of contacts adapted to normally engage each other and be separated only when said handle is in said normal position.

11. in a device of the character described, the combination comprising: a support, a plurality of sets of contacts resiliently carried by said support, each set including a pair of resilient blades normally spaced from each other and arranged to engage each other when one blade is flexed toward the other, an actuating handle movably carried by said support, a spring for moving said handle toward a normal position when said handle is moved from said position, a fluid dashpot arranged to permit free movement of said handle from said position and for limiting the rate of movement of said handle to said position, a means carried by said handle and movable transversely over said blade sets for causing the individual blades of said sets to successively engage one another only when said handle is movedtowardsaid normal position, a means for holding said handle from moving to said normal position after said handle is moved a predetermined distancefrom said normal position, a means for releasing said holding means, and a pair of contacts adapted to normally engage each other and be separated only when said handle is in said normal position, and a manually operated means for releasing said handle holding means for returning said handle to said normal position.

12. In a device of the character described, the combination comprising: a plurality of sets of contacts resiliently carried in a row by a support, each of said sets including a stationary contact and a spring blade member carrying a movable contact normally spaced from and arranged to be moved into engagement with a corresponding stationary contact for closing and opening a circuit there between when said blade is flexed toward said stationary contact, and a pawl movable transversely across said blades for successively moving said blades individually toward said stationary contacts when said pawl is moved in one direction only, said pawl having an inclined leading edge for causing said blade to have a slow movement toward a circuit closing position and having a sharp trailing edge for causingta rapid movement when said blade moves to a circuit opening position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,177,485 Champeon Mar; 28, 1916 2,379,704 Goff u July 3, 1945 2,592,429 Kimmel et al Apr. 8, 1952 

